Free Heidi Vanlandingham - Lucie: Bride of Tennessee (American Mail-Order Bride 16) by Heidi Vanlandingham Page B

love anymore.”
    She knew what she was going to do. She had a small job, but didn’t make enough to pay rent, much less buy food. And there was Stella to consider. She had never been a mother, but she had lost hers. Just like Stella had. She knew she could help the little girl deal with her anger. Her previous anxiety disappeared, replaced by a calm she hadn’t felt in a long time.
    “Mr. McCord needs our help, Alex, and I can’t help him without marrying him.”
    “What kind of help?”
    “He’s asked me to help raise his daughter. Show her how to be a lady.”
    Alex let out a loud guffaw. “Good luck with that…she’s crazy. All the boys at school are scared of her.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “Are you scared of her too?”
    He shook his head. “Naw. Stella’s all bluster, trying to prove she’s as good as everyone else. I think she’s just scared herself, and that makes it worse.”
    “Does she have any friends?”
    “I guess. But they’re terrified of her too. She threatens everyone if they don’t do what she says.”
    “Alex, I promised you we would make decisions together about what we were going to do, not just me deciding alone. Do you want to return to Lawrence? I can start saving the money for train tickets.”
    Staring at his legs, which softly thudded against the bottom of the chaise, he thought a moment before meeting her gaze. “I like it here better. Mrs. McCord reminds me of Granny, and I like the sheriff too. I have new friends here.” He stared, unblinking, then added, “Marry Mr. McCord, sissy. If you really want to.”

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
    Lucie stood with her back to the closed apartment door and straightened her dress, wishing she had more than the two she’d brought with her from Massachusetts. They were looking threadbare. She was supposed to meet Sebastian and Martha downstairs for lunch, and was petrified. It had been so much easier to simply sign a piece of paper and get on a train the first time. Now, however, she would be face-to-face with her intended husband. She pressed her palm against her chest, the rapid pounding of her heart beating out a fast tempo.
    “You can do this, Lucie Croft. You can do this.” She forced her feet to move, one step then another toward the stairs until she stood at the base; her hand gripping the railing, unable to let go. She knew this was her best option. Sebastian owned the hotel and his home. He could support them. She wouldn’t have to worry about the next meal or if she and Alex would have a place to sleep.
    Sebastian sat at a table close to the bar and hadn’t noticed her arrival. From her vantage point across the room, she studied his profile. The man was so handsome.
    She liked the way he combed his wavy brown hair back from his face, and no matter how many times he brushed it back, one small strand always fell back to his forehead. He had a nice nose, not too big or too small, and his mustache was neatly trimmed but still long, like upside down handlebars on a bicycle.
    She took several deep breaths and walked toward him, unable to force her gaze from his face. He’d said their nuptials would be simple, and the marriage bed could wait until she was ready. The closer she got, the more nervous she became and couldn’t figure out why. This was what she’d traveled to Chattanooga for—stability, a home, security for Alex and herself. She walked up to the table and linked her fingers together in front of her. “Good morning.”
    “Good morning, Lucie. I hope you slept well.” Sebastian motioned toward the chair to his left. “Sit, join me for breakfast. I took the liberty of ordering doughnuts for you with your coffee. Cook tries to make them a couple of times a month as a special treat, which brings in more people. We need more people.”
    “Then I should be working, not sitting here eating the profits.” Lucie placed her hands on the table to push herself up, but stopped when one of Sebastian’s large